Clampable drinking glass rack

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus are provided for a clampable rack to hold one or more drinking glasses. The rack comprises a substantially rectangular base portion and a retainer portion of a substantially similar shape and size as the base portion. The retainer portion defines one or more open-ended slots extending from an edge of the retainer portion into a body of the retainer portion. The slots are adapted to receive a portion of a drinking glass. The rack also comprises a clamping device coupled with the base portion and the retainer portion and adapted to move the retainer portion between a first position and a second position relative to the base portion.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to the field of drinking glass racks.More particularly, the invention relates to a clampable rack to hold oneor more drinking glasses.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Drinking glasses of various types are frequently stored up-side-down,i.e., with the open end down, in order to prevent dust from accumulatingin the glass. Typically, the glass is stored with the rim of the glassresting directly on a shelf or with the glass hanging from some type ofrack. For example, wine glasses, goblets, and other stemware having arelatively thin stem extending from a flat base can be stored hangingup-side-down from the base of the glass in various types of racks.

However, these racks allow the glasses stored therein to hang freely anddo not secure the glasses within the rack. This presents a problem incases where the rack may be subject to movement. For example, if therack is used in a vehicle such as a camper, recreational vehicle, boat,etc. the rack, and the glasses stored therein, will likely be subject tosignificant movement. In another example, if the rack is installed in ahome in a seismically active area, subject to earthquakes, the home, andtherefore the rack and the glasses stored therein, can be subject tosignificant movement. In either case, glasses hanging freely withinthese racks can sway, bounce, and slid within the rack or even fall outof the rack and break.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, the above and other problemsare solved by a clampable drinking glass rack as will be describedbelow. The rack comprises a base portion, a retainer portion and aclamping device. The clamping device moves the retainer portion relativeto the base portion to clamp or secure a portion of a glass between thebase portion and the retainer portion.

In accordance with aspects of the present invention, a clampable rack tohold one or more drinking glasses comprises a substantially rectangularbase portion. The rack also has a retainer portion of a substantiallysimilar shape and size as the base portion. The retainer portion definesone or more open-ended slots extending from an edge of the retainerportion into a body of the retainer portion. The slots are adapted toreceive a portion of a drinking glass. A clamping device is coupled withthe base portion and the retainer portion and is adapted to move theretainer portion between a first position and a second position relativeto the base portion.

In accordance with other aspects of the present invention a clampablerack to hold one or more drinking glasses comprises a substantiallyrectangular base portion. A plurality of bolts extends from the baseportion substantially perpendicular to the base portion. The rack alsohas a retainer portion of a substantially similar shape and size as thebase portion. The retainer portion defines one or more open-ended slotsextending from an edge of the retainer portion into a body of theretainer portion. The slots are adapted to receive a portion of adrinking glass. The retainer portion also defines a plurality of boltholes adapted to receive the plurality bolts extending from the baseportion. A plurality of nuts are adapted to engage the one or more boltsextending from the base portion and to move the retainer portion betweenthe first position and second position when the plurality of nuts aretightened onto the plurality of bolts.

In accordance with still other aspects of the present invention a methodof securing a drinking glass having a substantially flat base and a stemextending from the base in a clampable rack comprises sliding the stemof the glass into an open ended slot of a retainer portion of the rack.The open-ended slot extends from an edge of the retainer portion into abody of the retainer portion and is adapted to receive the stem of thedrinking glass. The method further comprises tightening a clampingdevice coupled with a base portion and the retainer portion of the rackto move the retainer portion between a first position and a secondposition relative to the base portion. The first position comprises anopen position wherein the retainer is positioned to allow the stem ofthe drinking glass to slide in the open-ended slot. The second positioncomprises a clamped position wherein the retainer is positioned tosecure the base of the drinking glass between the retainer portion andthe base portion.

Other features of the present invention will be apparent from theaccompanying drawings and from the detailed description that follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a clampable drinking glassrack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a clampable drinking glassrack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of a clampable drinking glass rackaccording to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of a retainer portion of a clampable drinkingglass rack according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A method and apparatus are described for a clampable drinking glassrack. As will be described, the rack includes a base portion, a retainerportion and a clamping device. The clamping device moves the retainerportion relative to the base portion to clamp or secure a portion of aglass between the base portion and the retainer portion. As an initialmatter, some terms used throughout this description are defined below.

Terminology

The term “or” as used in this specification and the appended claims isnot meant to be exclusive rather the term is inclusive meaning “eitheror both”.

References in the specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “apreferred embodiment”, “an alternative embodiment”, “one variation”, “avariation” and similar phrases mean that a particular feature,structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodimentor variation is included in at least an embodiment or variation of theinvention. The phrase “in one embodiment”, “in one variation” or similarphrases as used in various places in the specification are notnecessarily meant to refer to the same embodiment or the same variation.

The term “couple” or “coupled” as used in this specification and theappended claims refers to either an indirect or direct connectionbetween the identified elements, components or objects. Often the mannerof the coupling will be related specifically to the manner in which thetwo coupled elements interact.

Directional and/or relationary terms such as, but not limited to, left,right, nadir, apex, top, bottom, vertical, horizontal, back, front andlateral are relative to each other and are dependent on the specificorientation of an applicable element or article, and are usedaccordingly to aid in the description of the various embodiments and arenot necessarily intended to be construed as limiting.

Importantly, while embodiments of the present invention will bedescribed with reference to stemware such as wine glasses, goblets, etc.that have a relatively thin stem extending from a flat base, the methodand apparatus described herein are equally applicable to other types ofdrinking glasses. For example, the techniques described herein arethought to be useful in connection with coffee cups or other types ofmugs having a handle or other extension that may be hooked or hung on arack.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a clampable drinking glassrack according to one embodiment of the present invention. In thisexample, a clampable rack 100 is shown that includes a base portion 105,a retainer portion 115, and a clamping device. In this example, as willbe discussed in detail below, the clamping device includes bolts 125 andnuts 145. However, as will be discussed, other types of clamping devicesare contemplated.

The base portion 105 as shown here is substantially rectangular inshape. The exact size and shape of the base portion 105 may vary widelydepending on how and where the rack 100 will be used. However, arectangular base may be preferable as it may provide more storage spacerelative to another arrangement. The base portion 105 may be constructedof any of a wide variety of materials such as wood, metal, plastic, etc.Since the base portion 105 supports the rack 100, the thickness of thebase portion 105 may depend in part on the material used.

Additionally, the base portion 105 may be mounted to another object suchas a counter, cabinet, shelf, etc. Therefore, the base portion 105 mayoptionally define one or more mounting holes 165 adapted to receive oneor more base fasteners 120 such as screws, bolts, etc. The basefasteners 120 can pass through the mounting holes 165 to secure the baseportion 105 of the rack 100 to another object such as the underside of acabinet or shelf or other object. Alternatively, other means may be usedto secure the base portion 105 of the rack 100 to another object. Forexample, tape, adhesives, Velcro®, tabs and slots, clamps, etc. may beused to mount and secure the base portion 105.

FIG. 1 also shows a retainer portion 115 of a substantially similarshape and size as the base portion 105. The exact size and shape of theretainer portion 115 may vary widely depending on the application.However, a retainer portion 115 that is a similar size and shape as thebase portion 105 may be preferable as it may provide more storage spacerelative to another arrangement.

The retainer portion 115 defines one or more open-ended slots 140extending from an edge, i.e., the front edge 136 from this perspective,of the retainer portion 115 into a body of the retainer portion 115. Theslots 140 are adapted to receive a portion of drinking glass 150. Forexample, FIG. 1 illustrates a stemware type glass 150 having asubstantially flat base 160 and a stem 155 extending from the base 160supporting the glass 150. The slots 140 of the retainer portion 115 arewide enough to receive the stem 155 of the glass 150 with the base 160of the glass 150 above the retainer portion 115. In this way, the glassis supported from the base 160 by the retainer portion 115.

A clamping device is coupled with the base portion 105 and the retainerportion 115 and adapted to move the retainer portion 115 between a firstposition and a second position relative to the base portion 105. In thisexample, the clamping device comprises one or more bolts 125 extendingfrom the base portion 105 substantially perpendicular to the baseportion 105 and one or more nuts 145 adapted to engage the one or morebolts 125. Additionally, the retainer portion 115 defines one or morebolt holes 135 adapted to receive the one or more bolts 125 extendingfrom the base portion 105. Therefore, when the rack 100 is assembled,the bolts 125 extending from the base 105 pass through the bolt holes135 of the retainer portion 115. The nuts 145 are then threaded onto thebolts to hold the retainer portion 115.

Therefore, tightening or loosening the nuts 145 moves the retainerportion 115 between a first position and a second position. The firstposition of the retainer portion 115 comprises an open position whereinthe retainer portion 115 is positioned to allow a portion, i.e., thestem 155, of a drinking glass 150 to slide in the one or more open-endedslots 140. The second position of the retainer portion 115 comprises aclamped position wherein the retainer portion 115 is positioned tosecure a portion, i.e., the base 160 of a drinking glass 150 between theretainer portion 115 and the base portion 105. That is, in the openposition, the nuts 145 are treaded onto the bolts 125 to a position thatallows enough room between the base portion 105 and the retainer portion115 for the stem of the glass 155 to be slid into or out of one of theslots 140 in the retainer portion 115 with the base 160 of the glass 150between the retainer portion 115 and the base portion 105. Then, when aglass 150 is placed in a slot 140 of the retainer portion 115, the nuts145 may be tightened onto the bolts 125 to clamp the base 160 of theglass 150 between the retainer portion 115 and the base portion 105thereby securing the glass 150 within the rack 100.

Alternatively, a different clamping device is contemplated and may beused. For example, various types of latches may be used. In anotherexample, a combination of one or more hinges and one or more latches maybe used. In such a case, a hinge on one edge of the rack 100 may couplethe retainer portion 115 with the base portion 105 and allow theretainer portion 115 to move between the first and second positions. Alatch on another edge of the rack 100 may be used to secure the retainerportion 115. Other examples can include a wide variety of hooks, hinges,latches, pins, pivots, bolts, etc. and various combinations thereof tomove the retainer portion 115 between a first position and a secondposition relative to the base portion 105.

Optionally, the rack may also comprise a cushion 110 disposed betweenthe base portion 105 and the retainer portion 115. As shown in FIG. 1,the cushion may be of a substantially similar size and shape as the baseportion 105. In this case, the cushion 110 may further define one ormore bolt holes 130 adapted to receive the one or more bolts 125extending from the base portion 105. Alternatively, the cushion 110 maybe sized or shaped differently to cover only certain areas of the baseportion 105. The cushion 110, if used, can be made of foam, rubber,felt, cloth or other material to pad the base 160 of the glass 150 andprevent breakage of the glass when the retainer portion 115 is moved toclamp the glass 150 in the rack 100. If used, the cushion 110 may beaffixed to the base portion 105 with glue, adhesive, fasteners, or othermeans. Furthermore, a different type of cushion or even more than onecushion may be used as will be discussed below with reference to FIGS. 2and 3.

In use, a drinking glass 150 may be secured in the rack 100 by slidingthe stem 155 of the glass 150 into an open ended slot 140 of theretainer portion 115 of the rack 100 with the base 160 of the glass 150between the base portion 105 and the retainer portion 115 of the rack100. The clamping device, such as nuts 145 on bolts 125, may then betightened to move the retainer portion 115 between a first, openposition and a second, clamped position relative to the base portion 105to clamp and/or secure the base 160 of the glass 150 between the baseportion 105 and the retainer portion 115. To remove the drinking glass150 from the rack 100 the clamping device, i.e., nuts 145 on bolts 125,may be loosened to move the retainer portion 115 between the second,clamped position and the first, open position relative to the baseportion 105. The glass 150 may then be removed from the rack 100 bysliding it out of the open-ended slot 140.

According to other embodiments of the present invention, various othertypes of glasses, other than stemware may be used with the clampablerack 100. For example, the retainer portion 115 may be sized and shapeddifferently so that is may engage and retain a handle on a coffee cup orother mug-type of cup. In such a case, the rack functions in the samemanner but clamps the handle or other portion of the glass rather thanthe base.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a clampable drinking glassrack according to another embodiment of the present invention. In thisexample, a clampable rack 100 is shown that includes a base portion 105,a retainer portion 115, and a clamping device. In this example, as withthe example in FIG. 1, the clamping device includes bolts 125 and nuts145. However, as has been discussed, other types of clamping devices arecontemplated.

As discussed above, the base portion 105 may optionally define one ormore mounting holes 165 adapted to receive one or more base fasteners120 such as screws, bolts, etc. The base fasteners 120 can pass throughthe mounting holes 165 to secure the base portion 105 of the rack 100 toanother object such as the underside of a cabinet or shelf or otherobject. Alternatively, other means may be used to secure the baseportion 105 of the rack 100 to another object. For example, tape,adhesives, Velcro®, tabs and slots, clamps, etc. may be used to mountand secure the base portion 105.

FIG. 2 also shows a retainer portion 115 of a substantially similarshape and size as the base portion 105. The exact size and shape of theretainer portion 115 may vary widely depending on the application.Furthermore, as discussed above, the retainer portion 115 may be sizedand shaped differently than shown here in order to facilitate the use ofdifferent types of drinking glasses or cups.

The retainer portion 115 defines one or more open-ended slots 140extending from an edge, i.e., the front edge 136 from this perspective,of the retainer portion 115 into a body of the retainer portion 115. Theslots 140 are adapted to receive a portion of drinking glass 150. Forexample, FIG. 2 illustrates a stemware type glass 150 having asubstantially flat base 160 and a stem 155 extending from the base 160supporting the glass 150. The slots 140 of the retainer portion 115 arewide enough to receive the stem 155 of the glass 150 with the base 160of the glass 150 above the retainer portion 115. In this way, the glassis support from the base 160 by the retainer portion 115.

A clamping device is coupled with the base portion 105 and the retainerportion 115 and adapted to move the retainer portion 115 between a firstposition and a second position relative to the base portion 105. In thisexample, the clamping device comprises one or more bolts 125 extendingfrom the base portion 105 substantially perpendicular to the baseportion 105 and one or more nuts 145 adapted to engage the one or morebolts 125. Additionally, the retainer portion 115 defines one or morebolt holes 135 adapted to receive the one or more bolts 125 extendingfrom the base portion 105. Therefore, when the rack 100 is assembled,the bolts 125 extending from the base 105 pass through the bolt holes135 of the retainer portion 115. The nuts 145 are then threaded onto thebolts 125 to hold the retainer portion 115. As discussed in detailabove, various other types of clamping devices are contemplated.

As discussed above, tightening or loosening the nuts 145 moves theretainer portion 115 between a first position and a second position. Thefirst position of the retainer portion 115 comprises an open positionwherein the retainer portion 115 is positioned to allow a portion, i.e.,the stem 155, of a drinking glass 150 to slide in the one or moreopen-ended slots 140. The second position of the retainer portion 115comprises a clamped position wherein the retainer portion 115 ispositioned to secure a portion, i.e., the base 160, of a drinking glass150 between the retainer portion 115 and the base portion 105. That is,in the open position, the nuts 145 are treaded onto the bolts 125 to aposition that allows enough room between the base portion 105 and theretainer portion 115 for the stem of the glass 155 to be slid into orout of one of the slots 140 in the retainer portion 115 with the base160 of the glass 150 between the retainer portion 115 and the baseportion 105. Then, when a glass 150 is placed in a slot 140 of theretainer portion 115, the nuts 145 may be tightened onto the bolts 125to clamp the base 160 of the glass 150 between the retainer portion 115and the base portion 105 thereby securing the glass 150 within the rack100.

Optionally, the rack may also comprise a cushion 210 disposed betweenthe base portion 105 and the retainer portion 115. As shown in FIG. 2,the cushion may be of a substantially similar size and shape as theretainer portion 115. In this case, the cushion 210 may further defineone or more bolt holes 130 adapted to receive the one or more bolts 125extending from the base portion 105 as well as one or more open endedslots 215 matching the slots 140 of the retainer portion 115 andpositioned to align with the slots 140 of the retainer portion 115.Alternatively, the cushion 210 may be sized or shaped differently tocover only certain areas of the retainer portion 115. The cushion 210,if used can be made of foam, rubber, felt, cloth or other material topad the base 160 of the glass 150 and prevent breakage of the glass whenthe retainer portion 115 is moved to clamp the glass 150 in the rack100. If used, the cushion 210 may be affixed to the retainer portion 115with glue, adhesive, fasteners, or other means. Furthermore, a differenttype of cushion or even more than one cushion may be used as will bediscussed below with reference to FIGS. 3.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of a clampable drinking glass rackaccording to yet another embodiment of the present invention. In thisexample, a clampable rack 100 is shown that includes a base portion 105,a retainer portion 115, and a clamping device that, in this example,includes bolts 125 and nuts 145. However, as has been discussed, othertypes of clamping devices are contemplated.

The base portion 105 as shown here may optionally define one or moremounting holes 165 adapted to receive one or more base fasteners 120such as screws, bolts, etc. The base fasteners 120 can pass through themounting holes 165 to secure the base portion 105 of the rack 100 toanother object such as the underside of a cabinet or shelf or otherobject. Alternatively, other means may be used to secure the baseportion 105 of the rack 100 to another object. For example, tape,adhesives, Velcro®, tabs and slots, clamps, etc. may be used to mountand secure the base portion 105.

FIG. 3 also shows a retainer portion 115 that defines one or moreopen-ended slots 140. The slots 140 are adapted to receive a portion ofdrinking glass 150. As discussed above, the slots 140 of the retainerportion 115 are wide enough to receive the stem 155 of the glass 150with the base 160 of the glass 150 above the retainer portion 115. Inthis way, the glass is support from the base 160 by the retainer portion115.

A clamping device is coupled with the base portion 105 and the retainerportion 115 and adapted to move the retainer portion 115 between a firstposition and a second position relative to the base portion 105. In thisexample, the clamping device comprises one or more bolts 125 extendingthrough the base portion 105 substantially perpendicular to the baseportion 105 and one or more nuts 145 adapted to engage the one or morebolts 125. The bolts 125 may be secured in the base portion 105 by oneor more retainers 305. Alternatively, the bolts 125 may be treaded intothe base portion 105 or may be retained in the base portion 105 inanother way such as with adhesives or not retained at all.

Additionally, the retainer portion 115 defines one or more bolt holes135 adapted to receive the one or more bolts 125 extending from the baseportion 105. Therefore, when the rack 100 is assembled, the bolts 125extending from the base 105 pass through the bolt holes 135 of theretainer portion 115. The nuts 145 are then threaded onto the bolts tohold the retainer portion 115. Also as shown here, the retainer portion115 may have beveled edges 310 to remove any sharp edges or cornersexposed to the user.

Therefore, tightening or loosening the nuts 145 moves the retainerportion 115 between a first position and a second position. The firstposition of the retainer portion 115 comprises an open position whereinthe retainer portion 115 is positioned to allow a portion, i.e., thestem 155, of a drinking glass 150 to slide in the one or more open-endedslots 140. The second position of the retainer portion 115 comprises aclamped position wherein the retainer portion 115 is positioned tosecure a portion, i.e., the base 160 of a drinking glass 150 between theretainer portion 115 and the base portion 105. That is, in the openposition, the nuts 145 are treaded onto the bolts 125 to a position thatallows enough room between the base portion 105 and the retainer portion115 for the stem of the glass 155 to be slid into or out of one of theslots 140 in the retainer portion 115 with the base 160 of the glass 150between the retainer portion 115 and the base portion 105. Then, when aglass 150 is placed in a slot 140 of the retainer portion 115, the nuts145 may be tightened onto the bolts 125 to clamp the base 160 of theglass 150 between the retainer portion 115 and the base portion 105thereby securing the glass 150 within the rack 100.

Optionally, the rack may also comprise a first cushion 110 disposedbetween the base portion 105 and the retainer portion 115. As shown inFIG. 1, the cushion may be of a substantially similar size and shape asthe base portion 105. In this case, the cushion 110 may further defineone or more bolt holes 130 adapted to receive the one or more bolts 125extending from the base portion 105. Alternatively, the cushion 110 maybe sized or shaped differently to cover only certain areas of the baseportion 105. The cushion 110, if used can be made of foam, rubber, felt,cloth or other material to pad the base 160 of the glass 150 and preventbreakage of the glass when the retainer portion 115 is moved to clampthe glass 150 in the rack 100. If used, the cushion 110 may be affixedto the base portion 105 with glue, adhesive, fasteners, or other means.

Furthermore, the rack may also comprise a second cushion 210 disposedbetween the base portion 105 and the retainer portion 115. As shown inFIG. 2, the cushion may be of a substantially similar size and shape asthe retainer portion 115. In this case, the cushion 210 may furtherdefine one or more bolt holes 130 adapted to receive the one or morebolts 125 extending from the base portion 105 as well as one or moreopen ended slots 215 matching the slots 140 of the retainer portion 115and positioned to align with the slots 140 of the retainer portion 115.Alternatively, the cushion 210 may be sized or shaped differently tocover only certain areas of the retainer portion 115. The cushion 210,if used can be made of foam, rubber, felt, cloth or other material topad the base 160 of the glass 150 and prevent breakage of the glass whenthe retainer portion 115 is moved to clamp the glass 150 in the rack100. If used, the cushion 210 may be affixed to the retainer portion 115with glue, adhesive, fasteners, or other means. Furthermore, a differenttype of cushion or even more than one cushion may be used as will bediscussed below with reference to FIGS. 3.

In use a drinking glass 150 may be secured in the rack 100 by slidingthe stem 155 of the glass 150 into an open ended slot 140 of theretainer portion 115 of the rack 100 with the base 160 of the glass 150between the base portion 105 and the retainer portion 115 of the rack100 and the cushions affixed thereto, if any. The clamping device, suchas nuts 145 on bolts 125, may then be tightened to move the retainerportion 115 between a first, open position and a second, clampedposition relative to the base portion 105 to clamp and/or secure thebase 160 of the glass 150 between the base portion 105 and the retainerportion 115. To remove the drinking glass 150 from the rack 100 theclamping device, i.e., nuts 145 on bolts 125, may be loosened to movethe retainer portion 115 between the second, clamped position and thefirst, open position relative to the base portion 105. The glass 150 maythen be removed from the rack 100 by sliding it out of the open-endedslot 140.

FIG. 4 is bottom view of a retainer portion of a clampable drinkingglass rack according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3. Visible inthis view is retainer portion 115 defining the one or more bolt holes135 for receiving the bolts 125 extending from the base portion 105. Theretainer portion 115 also defines one or more open ended slots 140extending from an edge of the retainer portion 115 across the body ofthe retainer portion 115. Additionally, the retainer portion in thisexample includes a bevel 310 running the entire perimeter of theretainer portion 115.

The various preferred embodiments and variations thereof illustrated inthe accompanying Figures and/or described above are merely exemplary andare not meant to limit the scope of the invention. It is to beappreciated that numerous variations of the invention have beencontemplated as would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the artwith the benefit of this disclosure. All variations of the cover thatread upon the appended claims are intended and contemplated to be withinthe scope of the invention.

1. A clampable rack to hold one or more drinking glasses comprising: asubstantially rectangular base portion; a retainer portion of asubstantially similar shape and size as the base portion and definingone or more open-ended slots extending from an edge of the retainerportion into a body of the retainer portion and adapted to receive aportion of a drinking glass; and a clamping device coupled with the baseportion and the retainer portion and adapted to move the retainerportion between a first position and a second position relative to thebase portion.
 2. The clampable rack of claim 1, wherein the firstposition of the retainer portion comprises an open position wherein theretainer is positioned to allow a portion of a drinking glass to slidein the one or more open-ended slots.
 3. The clampable rack of claim 1,wherein the second position of the retainer portion comprises a clampedposition wherein the retainer is positioned to secure a portion of adrinking glass within the one or more open-ended slots between theretainer portion and the base portion.
 4. The clampable rack of claim 1,further comprising a cushion disposed between the base portion and theretainer portion wherein the cushion is of a substantially similar sizeand shape as the base portion.
 5. The clampable rack of claim 4, whereinthe cushion is affixed to the base portion.
 6. The clampable rack ofclaim 1, further comprising a cushion disposed between the base portionand the retainer portion wherein the cushion is of a substantiallysimilar size and shape as the base portion and defines one or moreopen-ended slots matching the slots of the retainer portion andpositioned to align with the slots of the retainer portion.
 7. Theclampable rack of claim 6, wherein the cushion is affixed to theretainer portion.
 8. The clampable rack of claim 1, wherein the clampingdevice comprises one or more bolts extending from the base portionsubstantially perpendicular to the base portion.
 9. The clampable rackof claim 8, wherein the retainer portion defines one or more bolt holesadapted to receive the one or more bolts extending from the baseportion.
 10. The clampable rack of claim 9, wherein the clamping devicecomprises one or more nuts adapted to engage the one or more boltsextending from the base portion and to move the retainer portion betweenthe first position and second position when the one or more nuts aretightened onto the one or more bolts.
 11. A clampable rack to hold oneor more drinking glasses comprising: a substantially rectangular baseportion; a plurality of bolts extending from the base portionsubstantially perpendicular to the base portion; a retainer portion of asubstantially similar shape and size as the base portion and definingone or more open-ended slots extending from an edge of the retainerportion into a body of the retainer portion and adapted to receive aportion of drinking glass and wherein the retainer portion also definesa plurality of bolt holes adapted to receive the plurality boltsextending from the base portion; and a plurality of nuts adapted toengage the one or more bolts extending from the base portion and to movethe retainer portion between the first position and second position whenthe plurality of nuts are tightened onto the plurality of bolts.
 12. Theclampable rack of claim 11, wherein the first position of the retainerportion comprises an open position wherein the retainer is positioned toallow a portion of a drinking glass to slide in the one or moreopen-ended slots.
 13. The clampable rack of claim 11, wherein the secondposition of the retainer portion comprises a clamped position whereinthe retainer is positioned to secure a portion of a drinking glasswithin the one or more open-ended slots between the retainer portion andthe base portion.
 14. The clampable rack of claim 11, further comprisinga cushion disposed between the base portion and the retainer portionwherein the cushion is of a substantially similar size and shape as thebase portion and defines a plurality of bolt holes adapted to receivethe plurality of bolts extending from the base portion.
 15. Theclampable rack of claim 14, wherein the cushion is affixed to the baseportion.
 16. The clampable rack of claim 11, further comprising acushion disposed between the base portion and the retainer portionwherein the cushion is of a substantially similar size and shape as thebase portion and defines one or more open-ended slots matching the slotsof the retainer portion and positioned to align with the slots of theretainer portion and also defines a plurality of bolt holes adapted toreceive the plurality of bolts extending from the base portion.
 17. Theclampable rack of claim 16, wherein the cushion is affixed to theretainer portion.
 18. A method of securing a drinking glass having asubstantially flat base and a stem extending from the base in aclampable rack, the method comprising: sliding the stem of the glassinto an open ended slot of a retainer portion of the rack the open-endedslot extending from an edge of the retainer portion into a body of theretainer portion and adapted to receive the base and stem of thedrinking glass, the base of the glass being positioned between the baseportion and the retainer portion of the rack; and tightening a clampingdevice coupled with a base portion and the retainer portion of the rackto move the retainer portion between a first position and a secondposition relative to the base portion, the first position comprising anopen position wherein the retainer is positioned to allow the stem ofthe drinking glass to slide in the open-ended slot and the secondposition comprising a clamped position wherein the retainer ispositioned to secure the base of the drinking glass between the retainerportion and the base portion.
 19. The method of claim 18, furthercomprising removing the drinking glass from the clampable rackcomprising: loosening the clamping device to move the retainer portionbetween the second position and the first position relative to the baseportion; and sliding the stem of the class out of the open-ended slot inthe retainer portion.
 20. The method of claim 18, wherein tightening theclamping device comprises tightening one or more nuts onto one or morebolts.